Each year, the Chamber offers a Leadership Frederick County (LFC) class with 30-40 of Frederick County’s brightest leaders. Class members include representatives from local corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits. Members have displayed not only a proven ability to be at the forefront of their respective organizations, but also have a passion for Frederick County. That passion is what started the Leaders On Loan Program.

The Leaders On Loan ProgramThe goal of the Leaders On Loan program is to make Frederick County a better place to live, work, and play.Through a partnership between LFC and local nonprofits, class members receive experience working with nonprofits and develop an understanding of their scope and impact. In turn these organizations receive assistance on a project.

The Application ProcessApplications for nonprofits to participate in the Leaders on Loan program are accepted annually between May and July. Applications can be completed and submitted online. Each nonprofit may apply for one project each year.

Once submitted, applications will be scored and all semi-finalists will present their project to the new LFC class in August. The class will select projects in early September, and the nonprofit will be notified by mid-September. The need of the nonprofit, coupled with the skills, talents, and interests of the LFC class, will determine which organizations are selected.

Project TypesNonprofit projects must fit into one of these four categories and meet the following criteria. Fundraising projects will not be accepted. If financial resources are required for the proposed project, the nonprofit applying must guarantee that they will have the funds to proceed.

Marketing and Development

Grant research

Event Concept development

Sponsorship Marketing & Materials

Case Statement development

Board Development/Diversity

Membership drive development

Cash Flow analysis & planning

Budget analysis and/or creation

Survey development, collection and analysis

Training & Human Resources

Sustainable Volunteer Program

Volunteer Training

Diversity Training – Generational, Gender, Cultural,etc.

Managing Differences (Diversity)

Human Resource Policies Handbook

Recruitment and retention

Employee relations

Compensation and benefits

Policies and procedures

Training and Organization development

Technology Support

Website, Design and Upgrades

Software Training

Computer Training

Information Technology Audit

Social Media Training

Innovator’s CategoryThis category is an “open” category. It is intended to include a project/program not covered in any other category.

Expectations of the Nonprofit

Designate a person to work with the project team – designated person shall have sufficient access to data and have ability to make decisions on behalf of the nonprofit for the project;

Designated person will participate as a partner in the project, with joint accountability for project success;

Meet with project team at least once a month or as often as agreed for project success;

Participate in mid-project checkpoint with project team including Board president and/or executive director;

Agree to strong two-way communication throughout the project, but especially during project formation and as concerns arise around scoping or timing of deliverables;

Board President and Executive Director shall be required to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Leaders On Loan.

ScoringThe following scoring method will be used to determine final projects.

Describe how this project will address a need within Frederick County and/or show tangible impact on Frederick County. (30%)

Describe the level of need within your organization and/or how this project will show tangible impact on your agency itself. (30%)

How will the LFC class members benefit by doing this project? (10%)

How will this project be sustained after the LOL project is completed? (20%)

NPO’s capacity to manage a team of professional volunteers. (10%)

Tips for Success

State a specific project or program with a well-defined scope

Outline clear deliverables that can be completed over the course of the eight month program.

Consider submitting projects that are more tactical in nature than strategic.

Proper project definition and communication have been identified as the two key success factors for the Leaders on Loan (LOL) projects.

Previous Project Hosts

American Cancer Society

American Diabetes Association

Arms & Legs Foundation

Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County

Celebrate Frederick

Community Living

Downtown Frederick Partnership

​Frederick Arts Council

Frederick County Child Advocacy Center

Frederick County Citizens Corps Council

Frederick County Literacy Council

Frederick County Landmarks Foundation

Frederick County Housing Authority / HOPE VI

Frederick Rescue Mission

Fredericktowne Players

Friends of Baker Park

Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County

Gale Recovery, Inc.

Goodwill Industries

Mental Health Association

Partners In Care

St. John Regional Catholic School

​Seton Center

United Way of Frederick County

Woman to Woman Mentoring

The LOL Experience: Habitat for Humanity

Leadership Frederick County is made possible thanks to generous sponsors such as: